Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Yes, I can see the diagram above.....but I can't seem to find my own personal reset button. I'm looking for it and when I find it...I'm going to push that button and pop back on...in the meanwhile....just know I'm here and searching.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

What ever it is that you celebrate....and whom ever you celebrate with....my wishes are that you are healthy, grateful and kind to everyone including yourself.

Sorry I've been out of touch...with having Mr. McSteamy down for most of the month of December, I've been running like a chicken with my head cut off....and I'm not finished yet....11:49 my time...yikes.

Our good news is that the surgeon said he didn't think McSteamy would need surgery on his back....oh we are so grateful!

IHAN is giving away this Happy Holidays Panel, Wintersong by Cheryl Haynes of Prarie Grove Peddler for Benartex, and the embellishment kit that goes along with the panel.

And the winner is: Becky from the Quilting Book Lady Blog. After I entered the numbers in the Random Number generator and came back to my blog to count all the way down the list...I got to the name of the winner and clicked on her blog and began reading. Then I came back here to type in who won....and forgot the dog gone number....so if you really want to know the number....you go count down the list...I don't have time :) LOL

So Becky, please e-mail me your full name and address and I'll get your beautiful Happy Holidays Panel with embellishments into the mail.

Are you of those who wants to know what other people are getting as gifts? Do you want to know what they are doing? I know I certainly am and I am not one least bit embarrassed to talk to people standing in the check out lines about who they are giving their purchases too. I sneak in a little question or two as well...."so what do you secretly wish you will get as a gift?" Yep....that used to be called "NOSEY" ....I have a kinder - gentler way to describe it....I call it Curious :)

I'd be happy to show you some of the amazing things I've received in the mail....just in case you are one of "those curious" types too :)

I received this beautiful kitchen towel from Karin from Sew Write Creations along with a note that said, "doing dishes doesn't have to (the noise a baby makes when nursing). Isn't that just too funny? I love green so these penguins keep my spirits up....even tough I'm not gonna be doing any cookin'...cuz I don't like to cook! :) Thank you Karin! :)

I received this gorgeous punchneedle snow man coat pin from my girlfriend Starr....Punchneedle and Me Blog. Starr was my very first guest artist at the IHAN blog. If you have not seen those posts and Starr's amazing tallents...click HERE, HERE, and HERE and prepare for yourself to feel pure awe. Thank you Starr!!! You are one amazingly talented artist :)

WHO is this popping up in the middle of my blog post? Hmmmm....oh yeah....this is the guy who was running through the house yesterday wearing this hat...."I'm a Russian King" he kept repeating as he ran through. Well....I never knew I had given birth to a Russian King...but now I do. When he was a baby I called him, "Sir Fussius Maxiums, Last of the Great Fussiesests" ...who knew that was Russian? Do you ever wonder who you gave birth to? (the question is for the ladies...of course:)

Last evening when I had gathered some of the items I needed to wrap to ship today I had a thought. The thought was, "I wonder if other people wonder what other folks order for gifts and for themselves?" So if you are a curious sort....here is a photo of just some of the things I wrapped to ship today. If you have any of things on your wish list and someone bought them for you....don't write asking if any of it was addressed to you...cuz I AINT TELLIN'!!! I'm soooo bad :)

I thought I'd let everyone know I have two of each of these IHAN Holiday Specials left in stock. Only TWO so if you want one or both....ya better order quick because when they are gone...they will be removed from the IHAN website.

Ok....returning to some fun things. I have TWO IHAN Holiday Specials that end on Dec. 24th or when they sell out. The first one is:

Thanks for visiting and reading. A quick update on Mr. McSteamy (thanks for all the e-mails with prayers and thoughts and enquiries). He had a MRI on Friday and he has a bulging disc. We are waiting to see a neurosurgeon and we'll go from there.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Floriani is having aYear End Sell Out Event and I thought everyone who loves thread or does machine embroidery would definitely want to know. I'm telling you there are some incredible deals....I mean really incredible deals.

For all of you who don't subscribe to the IHAN Newsletter (sign up is on the right hand side bar) I posted the information in the newsletter on the IHAN blog under it's own page...look up and you'll see tabs for pages and you can click there or HERE.

Are you a Smart Shopper? Do you price compare and choose the best price? Did you know IHAN will price match? Yes, we will price match a competitors price when it doesn't mean I lose money. Sometimes other stores get incredible discounts because they buy in enormous quantities...IHAN doesn't do that. All you have to do is click the Contact Us at the top of the IHAN website and request a price match. Please include the link to where you found the price less.

I'm still working on an option for changing the categories so people can find what they are looking for faster. Did you know there is a SEARCH WINDOW on the bottom left of the IHAN website? You can always search a word or product there.

I have not replied to most e-mails because I wanted to sit and reply one at a time and give you the same courtesy you extended to me. You will hear from me :)

I did offer a Gift for leaving a comment. After reading all of them...I was totally bowled over so I have added 2 additional Gifts.

I do realize this template goes on a sewing machine and not on a table....however...the way my new machine is set up I could not put on on yet so I decided to let Jen show you how cool of a tool they are. Keep in mind I've felt them...used one...just not on my new machine...so I do know of what I speak :)

Great guide isn't it? I know...you want one don't ya? I don't blame you one bit...and to have a chance to receive one gratis....just be a IHAN blog follower and leave a comment on this post telling me why you want one...it's that easy.

I'll let the random number generator choose two winners on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Well...that is if I remember...I sometimes have a problem with that part....so I've had a doorbell installed on my forehead...ya'all can just push on the door bell and I'll be reminded of who I am and what in the heck I'm doin'!!!!

THANKS JEN!!! For the wonderful Seam Guides :)

Before I close I thought I'd share a photo with you that I took this morning.

I was walking through the living room headed to the kitchen when I glanced outside and this is what I saw. A moment of pure joy....and I've carried it in my mind all day. Joy can happen in a moment...or only last a moment...and when I carry it with me....I feel happier on the inside. I hope you enjoy the photo too. (I wonder what it would look like in thread painting?)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I thought we were all friends here...helping one another out....but someone forgot to ring the bell....

I guess I need to install a door bell on my computer...or perhaps my forehead (do you know I can't find a single pix of a person with a doorbell on their forehead? Am I really the only person who ever had this strange thought? If so...I'm cashing in big time on my first original idea!!! Hurray....finally genius has struck)

Wholey schmokin....I said I was going to giveaway Edyta's book, Reasons for Quilts, on the 9th....and it is the 13th and not a single one of ya have said a word. Gene must be in Aruba....cuz he always helps me out with this sort of stuff....LOL

I guess I'll have to lean on Mr. Random Number Generator and see who he says wins....

Monday, December 12, 2011

Greetings fellow earthlings....I don't feel like I've been on earth for several days...but I think I might be back. Mr. McSteamy has been out of steam all together. A sciatic nerve problem apparently has knocked him from 6'6" vertical to 6"6" horizontal. Not a pretty picture...but he is on the mend so thanks to everyone who send notes of care and concern.

No, your eyes are not failing you....that is fabric and thread....cool aren't they?

I think these are so much fun and you can choose any color thread and fabric that suits your fancy :)

I think this is my favorite....but the jury is still out!

Bet you're wondering if I have improved my free motion quilting skills so much so that I can just whip these out in a matter of a few minutes ay?

Nope!! I wish it were true...but it isn't....these cards were made using a Smith Street Designs software, Greetings! I like the Thanks and the Congrats too....I've just discovered these and I'm telling ya they sure are fun.

Back to holding down the fort and dispensing medications....moist heating pads and fending off the rest of the dragons!

Friday, December 9, 2011

I hope all of you know Michelle from The Quilting Gallery....if you don't...now is as good of a time as any to become familiar with Michelle and The Quilting Gallery! She has put together this wonderful event as well as so many other great events...visit The Quilting Gallery and check out all the wonderful events and resources she offers.

IHAN is participating....who could resist a fun Blog Hop that includes Giveaways especially during the Holidays....Not me!! There are well over 200 participants from 20 countries participating.

For all of you have never been to the IHAN Blog...WELCOME :) My name is Kelly Jackson and I am the author of this Blog as well as the owner of I Have A Notion (aka IHAN) a web-based Quilting, Machine Embroidery and Needle Art Supply shop. The focus of my blog is reviewing quilting, machine embroidery, and needle art notions, books and patterns. If that sounds interesting to you, feel free to click the "follow" button on the sidebar and you'll be able to keep up with the adventures of the IHAN clan!

We are giving away this Happy Holidays Panel, Wintersong by Cheryl Haynes of Prarie Grove Peddler for Benartex, and the embellishment kit that goes along with the panel.

The Wintersong Embellishment Kit is by Hillcreek Mills and includes instructions, linen thread to embellish the Wintersong panel, hand dyed buttons, beads and beautiful bells.

I thought this would be a wonderful giveaway during the Holiday Season. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with one holiday wish you have this year. On the the 17th of December, Mr. Random Number Generator will choose a winner. This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone all over the world :)

I can't thank you enough for visiting and I wish everyone, everywhere joy, gratitude and health.

More photos from Quilt Market ....hurray :)....this was the Nobel Notions Booth.

I was interested in learning about their products and giving them a try. The fact their table cloth was so beautiful didn't hurt one little bit :)

These are the Quilter's Tips....they fit on the ends of your fingers and grip the fabric while you are sewing or quilting.

The Quilter's Clamps are used for clamping fabric when basting and great for use as channel locks for long arm machines. They are great to hang things on the edge of the table too...you know I liked this little notions caddy being so handy.

Ok, my turn....here I am using the Quilter's Grips to practice some Free Motion Quilting. The Quilter's Grips are different from anything else I've tried for Free Motion Quilting. They are rigid and molded so your fingers easily slip into the Grip. The nice thing about this type of Grip is they are easy to slip my fingers into and out of quickly.....which is helpful when I need to grab the phone...

The Quilter's Tips are soft and flexible and really grip inside and out. Here I was wearing them while piecing and they definitely grip the fabric...very nicely. Another thing I liked about the Quilter's Grips is I could choose to put them on one finger or as many as I wanted/needed. Six Grips come in a package.

I just put three on because those are the three fingers I use most when sewing.

The Quilter's Grips come off easily too...I just rolled them down. The Grips can be used for other tasks as well...they grip paper very well.

Both the Quilter's Grips and the Quilter's Tips say "One Size Fits All" and you know me....I believe One Size Fits Most. I've met women with tiny fingers and hands and mine are...lets just say "Queen Size"...I'm guessing they fit most but if you have very tiny fingers...please e-mail me before ordering :)

I want to thank everyone who has been leaving comments on the IHAN Blog Posts. There are 3 giveaways going on right now....just in case you have missed a few days of blog reading:

AND if you are willing to share why you do or don't shop at IHAN you can click here to have an opportunity to win these fun gifts.

Before I close I also want to say THANK YOU to everyonewho has shopped at IHAN and has taken the time to leave a thoughtful comment. I've gotten some great feedback and I so appreciate that so many of you have taken the time to help me out :) Feel free to spread the word with your friends and guild members too....that really helps quite a bit. There is an IHAN logo/button in the upper right hand sidebar of my blog that you can feel free to copy and paste to your blog or website if you are so inclined.

On the topic of prices- IHAN will price match ...just ask...my e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com I will tell you if there is a reason I can't match someones price...after all...I can't loose money....but I'll do every thing I can to be competitive. We also offer discount pricing for group purchases...so if your guild members want to purchase for an upcoming project....just let me know!

On the topic of shipping-I am in the middle of yet another colossal project....working on the USPS shipping zones and adjusting my website for individualizing those totals. If there is ever a question.....please e-mail me....I can make sure your postage is exact with just one e-mail :)

Now...I've got to run...Mr. McSteamy is having a issue....some sort of pinched nerve in his leg....we can't let him go without lunch now can we? LOL

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I work alone and until Oprah or Gail loan me some of their staff, I'm the only editor there is. I write all of the posts and because they are my words, I don't see most of the mistakes. I do use spell check but often times those mistakes are not caught. So if you find mistakes that are blatant....like dates or something that is not clear....feel free to e-mail me, IHaveANotion@yahoo.com, and let me know. The rest is minor and just pretend you don't see it. I'll be sure to return the favor :)